The "Uglia" - Pignola/Basilicata/Italy 17-05-08

Pignola/Basilicata/Italy 17-05-08 - The traditional procession of the "Uglia". For the celebrations for the ?Madonna del Pantano?, a religious procession called ?della Uglia? takes place in the centre of Pignola. A little fabric throne having the shape of a steeple, with a painted image of the Madonna, is taken in procession around the village by a group of young people and followed by a band of locals. The Uglia bearers meet on their way obstacles in the narrow lanes, such as fires of brooms, called ?fanoia?. This tradition probably represents the fight between Good and Evil or maybe it is a way for making the Madonna spend more time in the quarter, so that people can ask for her protection. The Uglia bearers stage several attempts to jump into the flames, taking some Dutch courage in the form of wine. When the flames die out, the procession passes through the embers with a sudden jump and keeps on going until it meets further fires...